Get Fern Spore Extracts Can Damage DNA - Ncbi Nlm Nih

Not only do bracken spores, which are known to be carcinogenic, cause DNA damage, but spores from a wide range of other fern species do too.

Humans have used ferns for fertilizer, medicine, food, and decoration. In their native habitats, ferns serve an important purpose in stabilizing soil and preventing erosion, and they can thrive in places where many other plants won't do well.

Some species of Ferns release spores that can cause poisoning through oral ingestion. The spores can contain toxins which endanger the health of humans and animals. The severity of the toxic effect depends on the type. The ill effects in people can range from nausea to cardiac issues.

Ptaquiloside (PTA) is a natural carcinogen present in many ferns.

Some species of Ferns release spores that can cause poisoning through oral ingestion. The spores can contain toxins which endanger the health of humans and animals. The severity of the toxic effect depends on the type. The ill effects in people can range from nausea to cardiac issues.

They may release spores that may result in poisoning due to oral ingestion. They may contain toxins that can damage the health of humans and animals. If people with compromised immunity, like those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) from inhaling fern spores, can develop mold infections in the lungs.

Ferns provide a variety of contributions to the ecosystems in which they exist. For example, they provide shelter, shade, erosion protection, chemical sequestration, and microhabitats that serve other species.

Ferns do not flower but reproduce sexually from spores. There are two distinct stages of the fern life cycle. Mature plants produce spores on the underside of the leaves. When these germinate they grow into small heart-shaped plants known as prothalli.